Epistemology

This article gives some conclusions and points in the area of epistemology. Also such kind of analysis pays attention to some mistakes or misunderstandings in this theory and gives it in different context connecting with the modernist, relativism and others suppositions. It begins with a kind of introduction of the epistemology’s point, then definite philosophical lines are pointed out, with all this major settled points and arguments can be under the discussion.Relativism and essentialism also rise up some point connecting with this problem, during this article different ideas will be added to those discussed by modernism and post-modernism. And in the end of this piece of writing we can find a kind of modern tendencies proposed by the feminist interest group.

Opening part of the article, a kind of preamble:

The idea of feminist epistemology appeared in the period of the second-wave theorists but nevertheless it could be recognize as a separate body of work.

As an alternative, it became like a wide-ranging theory discussing the questions connected to that kind of awareness concentrated on the questions such as: has or has not feminism some perspectives in epistemology, tactics and philosophy, metaphysics in this science.

In 1990s feminist epistemology was accepted as a separate studying field. In the late 1990s it was named as substantive and well-known body of work.This summarizing illustrates the main points of feminist theory. First of all, the major tops are defined; secondly, the very development of the theory. Then epistemology main explanations are given, also the questions concerning “women” truth supported by their own experience. And the final part is about the replacement of the standpoint theory by means of critics and thought of relativism as well as essentialism. Also the suppositions of modernism and post-modernism are given in order get more from the standpoint epistemology

Approaching Metaphysics Part 2

If we think about it we will realize that we are unable to take anything material with us to the higher worlds when we pass on. We are unable to take along with us our house, our money, our possessions, our titles, etc. What we do take along are things that are immaterial--our knowledge, our memories, our karma, our habits, our character, our spiritual and psychic development, our aspirations and desires. We can see from this that our purpose in this world, in this physical plane is in connection with those immaterial things mentioned above, and if--and metaphysics declare it to be so--evolution is a law of Nature, a Cosmic law, then our true purpose is to evolve, to improve and to purify those immaterial things. Our greatest opportunity in this world is the correct use of time. Use this gift of God searching for Truth and not wasting it on non-essentials.

The Pure Life

A metaphysical life entails living a life of purity. Even before approaching a Master for apprenticeship, a pure, spiritual, constructive life should be lived as best as one is able to. The degree of purity within us can be seen and felt by the Spiritual Masters and Adepts of metaphysics and the occult. They know our spiritual state and status by the colors and the luminosity of our aura, by our facial expression, by the quality of the emanations of our eyes, and by the way we think, speak and act.

By the above we do not imply that one has to be a saint in order to be a worthy student of the occult or metaphysics. What we are saying is that purity is a necessary quality to possess and to develop when one becomes a serious student of the occult. It is an indispensable quality for it prepares our psycho-biological system, our nervous systems to withstand intense energies that we invoke from the higher worlds through our occult and metaphysical studies. We often hear of people going insane because of their involvement with the occult or metaphysics. This is because of their lack of purity. Their nervous systems were not able to sustain the spiritual vibrations coursing through them. When this occurs, as mentioned before, the nervous system ruptures, certain brain cells and nerve centers are destroyed, and the etheric webs protecting the student from overexposure to impressions of higher frequencies coming from the other dimensions, are shattered. One is then unable to shift focus from one reality to another but is opened to both. This causes too much strain. Insanity is the sad result.

A Balanced Approach Towards Metaphysics

In metaphysics or in the occult, the student is requested to take a balanced approach. There are three factors that students have to consider:

1) Knowledge of metaphysical laws, principles, and cosmic truths.

2) Unfoldment of spiritual and psychic senses, faculties, and abilities.

3) Acceleration of one's spiritual development, of one's soul evolution.

Humility and Fearlessness

So far, we have already dealt at some length with the qualities that the candidate of metaphysical studies has to possess, such as purity and an open mind. Other important qualities are those of humility and fearlessness.

Humility is the quality of acknowledging the greatness of God as expressing throughout Nature. It is the realization that no matter what one attains or what one becomes there is always room for further growth. Thus, one never view oneself as representing a final attainment such as being the smartest kid in school, for one knows that there are still others much more smarter than oneself. There is always room for improvement. We should not just look down before us, look upwards as well and see that there are others far above us. Reaching one peak allows us to see a higher summit.

Approaching Metaphysics Part 1

Before one approaches seriously the study of metaphysics, magick, the occult, or mysticism, it is appropriate that one prepares oneself on all levels: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is of vital importance that the student be psychologically prepared for the reception of Cosmic truths; for without adequate preparation, without the required purity, the right attitude and the right motive, one simply deludes or sidetracks oneself from all that which is essential in occult study to those phenomena and teachings that are unessential, delusive, and misleading; to phenomena that simply strengthen one's hold in a world of illusion, glamour, pride and ego; aside from this, should one attempt occult work without due preparation one exposes oneself to certain dangers which are far-reaching. Without adequate preparation the student would abuse and misuse occult, spiritual teachings and powers.

The karmic consequences of this abuse may stall or cause stagnation in one's spiritual evolution for countless incarnations. Basically, religion without the theological dogmas, is an appropriate basis for the study of metaphysics. Students of metaphysics are advised to deepen their religious activities by engaging in personal study of their scriptures or holy book without relying on the usual channels or interpreters for clarification. This is to preserve one's bicameral mind from external influence and dependency on "authority figures" that may be damaging to the psyche in the long run.

The Master's Advice

In days gone by, when a student approached a spiritual or occult master for instructions, the master would say "empty your cup." The master illustrates the purpose of this by pouring fresh tea into a cup already filled to the brim with the liquid. The tea would naturally overflow. "Likewise," the master would say, "will the teachings I fill your mind be rejected by all of your previous thoughts and false beliefs. Therefore, empty your cup." Which means, in other words, "empty your mind of previous ideas and conceptions." Most people are disinclined to accepting new ideas. They dislike change, and yet we must change towards a positive direction if we are to progress. There is a senseless fear and laziness in most people in operating their brain faculties such as using their mind to reason. Our minds must be open and flexible, yet putting all new ideas to the test where possible before accepting them. We must strive to see the logic and rationality in concepts, if any, that are new to us. In other words, we must think! It would not hurt to be critical in a positive and constructive sense of novel ideas or even religious ideas if we believe that our criticism is valid. Although the mind is limited, it has its purpose and we should not shirk from using it.It is an important requirement for the occult student not to form any false ideas concerning himself and lower his self-esteem. He should not limit his mind and divine expression by saying "I can't do this," "I can't do that." One never knows what one can do until one tries. This applies to all branches of learning and study.

Often we hear people say "nobody's perfect," and they use this as an excuse not to improve their morality, their character, their minds or even their social standing. If one approaches the study of metaphysics and the occult in this manner, one is bound to fail. Metaphysics is hard work, and those who are not interested in work should leave metaphysics alone. Metaphysical truths awaken a person from self-complacency and the slumber of mortal errors. The student of metaphysics should be prepared for this and not rebel when it occurs. When you come to the point where you can think of nothing but metaphysics in your everyday activities, you shall succeed in being a metaphysician. Metaphysics has to be incorporated into one's life 24 hours a day.

The Motive of Study

One of the first few things that a student of metaphysic has to do is to introspect and analyze as to the motive for approaching metaphysical study. Why does one want to study metaphysics, its branches, and its various arts such as magick, mysticism, esotericism, psychometry, dowsing, or telepathy? For what reason? For what motive? Is it simply to gain advantage over another, for power over others? Or is it simply to acquire name and fame or the riches that it will produce? Approaching metaphysics with such motives would retard one's spiritual growth and is not condoned by any spiritual teacher of worth. A true and noble motive would be to serve God and humanity in spiritualizing this physical world, in manifesting Heaven on Earth, where Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Love, Peace and Goodwill between men prevails. Should your motive be negative, you are advised to transform it now. Do not deceive yourself as to your motive.

Another thing that we must not do, is to steal the secrets of heaven or gain entry into it by force, meaning that we should not force our occult growth by engaging in dubious exercises obtained through sources with no real integrity or authority to transmitting them and hoping for an instant development with their application. Should occult abilities be "instantly" procured, it would not be permanent and would result in adverse effects in most cases. We all know the low quality of plants cultivated in greenhouses as compared to the cultivation done underneath Nature's roof. It is the same with metaphysical growth. Heaven is not willing to release her secrets to the profane, and if by chance any of us acquire her secrets and apply them without the proper motive and purity, we unknowingly curse ourselves. The scriptures say that God is not mocked. This is a symbolic way of saying that the Law of Karma is operative and no one is able to avoid its influence.

The Importance of Modern African American Art

Whether you’re interested in adding modern African American art to your home collection or are just looking to integrate this art style into your décor, it’s imperative that you learn more about the background and history. While many of us know the basic ideas of where modern Africa American art was inspired, the more we know, the better we can include this art into our homes as well as our hearts.
It’s interesting to note that modern African American art began long before the idea of ‘modern art’ was conceived. As early back as slavery, African Americans were crafting iron pieces, pottery, quilts, baskets, cabinets, and silver. While many of these tasks were relegated to them, the utmost craftsmanship was required and thus the African American population became quite skilled in these crafts. What’s even more compelling about this situation is that the African Americans were generally allowed to sell any work they did in their ‘off time’ for profits they could keep, thus enabling them to purchase their freedom from their masters.

But while most of these early examples of modern African American art were for practical purposes, other African Americans began to create portraits as artistic pieces. Artists like Robert M. Douglas Jr. and Joshua Johnson were taught the basics of painting and composition on their own or through private tutoring, as deemed by their owners or by abolitionists that wanted the slaves to be able to save up to buy their freedom. Once the Civil War ended and slavery was declared illegal, there was a resurgence in the time’s modern African American art movement. Pieces of these artists’ work were displayed more prominently in museums and private homes. And while these works tended to include simple nature scenes as well as portraits, they still found some struggle in getting shown in public areas in the United States. In Europe, however, African Americans were much more successful in garnering praise as well as showing of their work. Across the ocean, African Americans were able to try new styles of painting and art as they were generally accepted.

Moving into the modern African American art phase, these African American artists were bolstered by the Harlem Renaissance movement. More artists than ever were getting recognition for their work, thus paving the away for African American art to not only be accepted, but also celebrated in artistic circles. Even Roosevelt helped the African American art movement with the passing of his Works Progress Administration

By seeing the struggles that the African American artists went through to come into this age of modern African American art, it’s easy to see how valuable these pieces are. When you bring a piece of African American art into your home, you not only celebrate the artists of this time, but all of the generations that came before. You celebrate the history of a people that have never given up on their talents, no matter how far others may have tried to push them down.

A Major Part of American Literature

The short story has long been a major part of American literature. Many famous authors started out writing short stories. Louis L'Amour wrote short stories for years for magazines and papers in order to get his stories in the public eye. He knew if he could get his work read he would develop a following. And he did just that. He remains one of the most widely read authors in history. Writing short stories is a great way for an aspiring author to develop his craft. In a full-length novel the author can let the plot unfold as each character is developed.

But don't get the wrong idea, writing a novel is no easy chore. You have to hold the attention of the reader for 150 pages and more. That is not an easy task. Likewise, writing a short story is not easy. The author has to have a well written story with well defined characters and a plot that comes alive from the first sentence and holds the reader captive until the last word. For the author who can do that, writing short stories can be rewarding. There is a huge market for short stories. Magazines such as Writer's Digest, Ruthless People's Magazine, Inkwater Press, Glimmer Train and many more are always calling for submission of short stories. And most of those magazines will accept stories from unknown or unpublished writers. And many of those magazines are willing to pay for good stories. A good writer can supplement their income by writing for several magazines at a time. Once you have submitted a short story that an editor likes, it isn't unusual for that editor to ask for more of your stories for future editions. The trick to making better money by writing short stories for magazines is to become well written in more than one genre. Romance is well received by many magazines. Science fiction, fantasy and horror are becoming more popular, also. If a writer can write in two or three genres they can make a fair living writing. Magazines are not the only way to make money.

The writer who wants to make money also enters his stories in writing contests. Some contests pay as much as $10,000 to the winner. The greatest number of contests pays from $100 to $1000. Some even offer writing contracts for the author who shows promise. And the writer who pens a good poem can earn even more money. There are literally hundreds of poem writing contests. There are also greeting card companies that offer contests that pay from $25 to $300 for the winner. Some just call for submissions and pay as much as $1000 for the right to print the poem on their greeting cards. A good writer can earn money by freelancing. A freelancer writes anything from how-to articles to copy for internet websites. He can also offer his talents for proofreading and editing. And there is a large market for ghost writers. With the proliferation of ebooks offering how-to advice on almost every subject imaginable, the opportunities for ghost writing is unlimited because those offering the advice either can't write or don't have the time. So you see, the short story writer has many opportunities to extend his craft and make a decent living.

Happy writing.

English Literature

English literature A level distance learning can be successfully completed by passing both the levels. These two levels are called AS and A2. Quite expectedly, A2 level is a little harder to complete compared to AS level. Distance learning is ideal for those who cannot attend college on a regular basis in the daytime or evening. Distance learning also suits those who aren't looking for a career based on the study of English literature.

Benefits of Distance Learning

English literature A level distance learning in its conventional mode meant acquiring study material from the tutor (or the institute), studying on one's own and then submitting the tests and workbooks as per schedule. Distance learning in the context of the internet has evolved to become much more than merely taking notes and submitting them. Distance learning means a lot of other benefits - creating your own schedule for studies, working on your own plans and keeping the whole course / program as per your own convenience.

English Literature A Level Contents

You will be amazed to be aware that the English Literature A Level distance learning course is a fully comprehensive course, no prior knowledge is required. In other words, there is no other qualifier for this certification. The distance learning course starts with a brief history of English literature. This is followed by the works of Shakespeare. The William Shakespeare section is covered with the help of his works like A Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard II, Henry IV Part I, Othello and The Tempest.

The English Literature A Level distance learning program then exposes the students to dramas and theatre arts. This section deals with the works of Bertolt Brecht, O'Casey and Wycherley. There are many reputed colleges and institutes offering the distance learning programs for A level English literature through distance learning mode. Some of these are The Sheffield College, Harvard Extension School, University of Cambridge, and private institutes like ICS. It should be kept in mind that there are no time limits for taking A level courses. The student has to pass the examination held twice a year. Students enrolled in online courses receive all of the teaching material through the internet. One has to download the tutorials, test papers, etc. from the specified server.